City of Hampton will take over management of Fort Monroe fishing pier

Daily Press

News release from the City of Hampton:

The Fort Monroe Authority and the City of Hampton are pleased to announce a joint agreement to open the Engineers Fishing Pier at Fort Monroe on December 9. In the agreement, the City of Hampton will assume the day-to-day operation of the fort's main fishing pier beginning Friday morning at sunrise.

The pier suffered severe damage during Hurricane Irene in late August. Repairs to the pier, which involved rebuilding some of the supports, have now been completed.

The pier is located adjacent to Continental Park on Fenwick Road and will be open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no fee to fish off the pier, but a Virginia Saltwater Fishing License is required. Licenses can be purchased online at www.dgif.virginia.gov or by phone at 1-866-721-6911.

"This will be another great spot in Hampton to catch striper, cobia and flounder," said Lynn Waldrop, manager of the Buckroe Fishing Pier. "We've heard from a lot of residents who are looking forward to fishing at Fort Monroe."

"The Engineers Fishing Pier is one of the most requested items at Fort Monroe by the citizens of Hampton and the surrounding region," stated Glenn Oder, executive director of the Fort Monroe Authority. "Cooperative agreements like this demonstrate the working relationship between the City of Hampton, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the U.S. Army caretaker staff that benefit the entire community and make Fort Monroe accessible to the public."

Other recreation areas at Fort Monroe being maintained by the City of Hampton and open from sunrise to sunset include:

 The paved Promenade along the Chesapeake Bay from the Chamberlin to the Bay Breeze Community Center parking area, about 1.2 miles. This area will be open for walking, jogging and dog-walking. People using this area are encouraged to park at the upper end in the Bay Breeze parking lot. Dogs must be on a leash, and owners should clean up after their dogs. Outlook Beach area. For walking. No lifeguards on duty until Memorial Day weekend 2012. Parking is available just off Fenwick Road in the Outlook Beach parking area. Continental Park. Generally open to the public; for rental information, contact the Fort Monroe Authority at 757-251-2752. The tennis and basketball courts. Open use, no reservations necessary